Magnesium sulfate benefits and supportive treatment in eclampsia

THE CONTEXT

The passage describes benefits of magnesium sulfate, treatment of persistent hypertension and pulmonary edema, and measures during a fit.

•

Magnesium sulfate controls fits effectively without a depressant effect on the mother or infant.

•

The passage reports reduced recurrent convulsions and maternal death, with figures of 9% and 3%, respectively.

•

Reduced perinatal mortality is another stated benefit.

•

Administer antihypertensive drugs if blood pressure remains above 160/110 mm Hg despite the anticonvulsant regimen.

•

The listed first-line drugs are labetalol and hydralazine. Target systolic pressure is 140–160 mm Hg and target diastolic pressure is 90–100 mm Hg.

•

The stated labetalol dose is 20 mg intravenously, with repeat doses potentially needed after 10 minutes.

•

Alternatively, hydralazine 5 or 10 mg is given intravenously; a repeat dose may be needed if there is no response after 20 minutes.

•

Pulmonary edema requires diuretics. The passage specifies intravenous furosemide 20–40 mg, repeated at intervals.

•

The passage describes placing a mouth gag between the teeth in the premonitory stage to prevent tongue bite and removing it after the clonic phase.

•

Clear mucus from the air passage using a mucus sucker, turn the patient's head to one side, and remove the pillow.

•

Give oxygen until cyanosis disappears.

NEETx

Learn. Practise. Remember.